Disease modeling and diagnostics
By combining advanced in vitro disease models with ex vivo tissue analysis and in silico simulation, the research investigates the mechanobiological mechanisms of orthopedic conditions such as scoliosis and disc degeneration to identify predictive triggers for prevention and early intervention.
Many orthopaedic disorders and degenerative diseases, such as intervertebral disc degeneration, osteoarthritis and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, have complex etiologies involving progressive changes in cells, extracellular matrix components, and cell-matrix interactions. Developing long-term functional treatments for these complex conditions requires a deeper understanding of the basic disease mechanisms. Our research aims to establish advanced in vitro disease models that recapitulate key aspects of tissue (patho-)physiology.
This allows us to elucidate fundamental questions related to tissue properties and degeneration and improve current diagnostic tools for detecting diseases. For example, by combining in vitro cell culture, ex vivo tissue characterization, and in silico biomechanical simulation, our research investigates the mechanobiological mechanisms in the intervertebral disc that underlie adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and degenerative disc disease. By unraveling these mechanisms, we aim to identify predictive triggers that can be monitored for disease prevention and early intervention.